In an thrilling quarter-final showdown, two Copa del Rey specialists, Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, will face off at San Mames. With a wealthy historical past within the competitors, each groups might be wanting to safe a spot within the semi-finals.
Match Preview:
Athletic Bilbao has been one of the crucial constant groups within the Copa del Rey lately. They reached the semi-finals within the final 4 editions and completed as runners-up twice.
This season, they’ve proven their knockout prowess with a sequence of spectacular performances.
Led by their former coach Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao has comfortably defeated Rubi, Cayon, Eibar, and Alaves within the present version. Their victory over Alaves within the spherical of 16 secured their fifth consecutive quarter-final look.
However, Barcelona has had a promising begin to 2024, successful 5 out of six aggressive matches this 12 months.
In addition they superior to the quarter-finals with victories towards Barbastro and Unionistas.
Nevertheless, Barcelona’s latest encounters with Athletic Bilbao within the Copa del Rey have led to disappointment. Athletic knocked Barcelona out of the competitors within the 2019-20 season and the 2021-22 final 16.
Regardless of this, Barcelona has gained their final 4 conferences towards Athletic Bilbao with out conceding a single purpose.
Workforce Information:
Athletic Bilbao enters the match with none main harm issues. Mikel Vesga and Oscar de Marcos will miss the sport resulting from hamstring and quadriceps accidents respectively.
Dani Garcia is a doubt resulting from the same challenge. Inaki Williams might be absent as he’s on Africa Cup of Nations obligation. Asier Villalibre, the joint-top scorer of the event, will lead Athletic’s assault.
Barcelona might need some defensive worries as Andreas Christensen and Joao Cancelo are uncertain resulting from ankle and knee discomfort respectively.
Gavi, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Inigo Martinez are nonetheless recovering from their accidents.
Xavi could select to incorporate Felix within the beginning lineup to supply extra attacking choices alongside Ferran Torres and Lewandowski.
Potential Lineups:
Athletic Bilbao: (4-2-3-1)
Simon;
Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche;
Herrera, Prados;
Muniain, Sancet, N. Williams;
Villalibre
Barcelona: (4-3-3)
Pena;
Fort, Kounde, Araujo, Balde;
Pedri, Gundogan, De Jong;
Torres, Lewandowski, Felix
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona
In what guarantees to be an intense encounter, Barcelona’s attacking prowess may give them the sting. They’ve been constantly scoring targets and can pose a big menace to Athletic Bilbao’s protection.
Nevertheless, Athletic Bilbao has been in spectacular kind and can look to proceed their residence successful streak.
Nonetheless, Barcelona’s high quality and up to date dominance over Athletic Bilbao ought to see them by means of to a slim victory.